Apparatus for cushioning corners and related methods

ABSTRACT

Generally disclosed are apparatus and related methods for blunting sharp corners or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with sharp corners. In one embodiment, the apparatus may generally be in the form of a creature with at least a torso and four appendages defined internally by a skeleton of foam members having a bendable metal core. In use, the appendages may be bent around corners so that the torso of the creature removably, yet securely, resides over the corner whereby the corners are blunted or otherwise the force of impacts with the corner are reduced (e.g., the foam and other components of the apparatus may act as a shock absorber). In a preferred embodiment, a stomach portion of the torso features a non-slip padding that may receive the corner to be blunted to further secure the apparatus over the targeted corner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/831,094, filed Jun. 4, 2013, titled “APPARATUS FOR CUSHIONING CORNERS AND RELATED METHODS” contents of all which are incorporated herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The subject matter of this disclosure is in the field of cushions for absorbing some or all of the force of an impact against corners or edges. Specifically, the disclosed subject matter is a cushion that protects children and adults from the forces associated with impacting corners and edges found in typical household furniture.

Background of the Invention. Household furniture or decor sometimes feature sharp corners or edges that cause harm to persons or property when impacted thereby. For example, many coffee tables have a rectangular table-top with four sharp corners. In particular, sharp corners are dangerous to the heads and limbs of children because children occasionally fall or run-into the corners. Sharp corners can also be dangerous to adults for the same reason. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus and related methods of cushioning the impact of corners within a household.

In view of the foregoing, apparatus have been developed for lessening the impact of corners. Examples of such apparatus include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,093,924, 3,144,236, 3,960,354, 5,065,972 6,044,774,, 6,103,335, and 6224955 which disclose cushion cap that sits over corners to blunt impacts;

and, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,117,782, 4,153,230, 4,582,739, 6,378,831 7,338,024, D377312, D609569 and D625596 which disclose bumpers that cover the corners and edges of a table to absorb impacts therewith. While these known apparatus are suitable for blunting sharp corners, the apparatus have some drawbacks that may deter their use. Specifically, many of the known apparatus require secure attachment to the targeted corner so that corners are either damaged whenever the apparatus is removed or permanently blunted. Furthermore, many of the known apparatus are unsightly so that the aesthetics of furniture or decor are lessened. Finally, many of the known apparatus do not possess a child-friendly appearance, which is a drawback since bumpers will mostly be used in areas frequented by children. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus for blunting corners, and related methods of use, wherein the apparatus are readily removable after installation and feature an attractive and child friendly appearance.

Other apparatus for reducing the force of impact on corners exist that feature child-friendly appearances. These apparatus include: U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,902 which discloses an animal face for placement over a corner; and, U.S. Pat No. 5,060,902 and U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2009/0120034 which disclose animal shaped cushions that are secured to a corner. While said apparatus feature a child friendly appearance, the apparatus are either (a) weakly tied to a corner via a string (U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,902) or (b) permanently secured to the corner via nails or adhesive. The way these apparatus are secured to the corner can be problematic because strings can easily become untied or otherwise result in weak securement of the apparatus to the corner (i.e., the apparatus can easily fall off the corner) or nails and adhesive can cause damage to the underlying furniture. Thus, a need still remains for apparatus, and related methods of use, for absorbing the force of an impact with a corner that are readily removable after secure installation and attractive with a child friendly appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

It is an objective of this disclosure to describe apparatus and related methods of blunting sharp corners or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with sharp corners. In one embodiment, the apparatus is generally in the form of a character (e.g., animal, humanoid or other characters and whimsical creatures) with at least a torso and four appendages that are defined internally by a skeleton of foam members having a bendable metal core. In use the appendages may be bent and secured around the corners so that the torso of the character removably, yet securely, resides over the corner whereby the corners are blunted or otherwise the force of impacts is with the corner is reduced. Practically, the apparatus may be applied to a variety of corners, including corners of tabletops or countertops via manipulation of the appendages and the use of non-slip padding on the torso of the apparatus. Preferably, the foam and other components of the apparatus may act as a shock absorber. Suitably, the apparatus is portable and may be attached to any corner without the need for adhesives, glues, tapes, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), or etcetera. In a preferred embodiment, a stomach portion of the torso features a non-slip padding that may receive the corner to be blunted in order to further secure the apparatus around the targeted corner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for blunting a corner or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with the corner;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the beard styling apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the beard styling apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an environmental top view of the apparatus positioned over a corner; and,

FIG. 6 is an environmental side view of the apparatus positioned over a corner.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only a typical embodiment of the disclosed apparatus and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosed apparatus may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally disclosed are apparatus and related methods for blunting sharp corners or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with sharp corners. In one embodiment, the apparatus may generally be in the form of a creature with at least a torso and four appendages defined internally by a skeleton of foam members having a bendable metal core. Other features of the creature may be comprised of materials used in stuffed animal construction, such as but not limited to cotton, wool, fiber, polyester, fleece is or any combinations thereof. In use the appendages, they may be bent around the corners so that the torso of the creature removably, yet securely, resides over the corner whereby the corners are blunted or otherwise the force of impacts with the corner are reduced (e.g., the foam and other components of the apparatus may act as a shock absorber). In a preferred embodiment, a stomach portion of the torso features a non-slip padding that may receive the corner to be blunted in order to better secure the apparatus around the targeted corner. Specific details of a preferred embodiment are disclosed with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an s apparatus 1000 for blunting a corner or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with the corner. FIGS. 2 through 4 are respectively a front view, side view, and top view of the apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1. Referring to those figures, the apparatus 1000 is generally defined by: a head 1100; a torso 1200; and four appendages 1300. Preferably, the apparatus has the to appearance of a lifeform, for example, animals, humanoids, aliens or various other creatures.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the head 1100 is an optional component and may, in other embodiments, be incorporated into the torso 1200 of the apparatus 1000. Suitably, the head 1100, torso 1200, and appendages 1300 may be constructed of fabric and filled with stuffing, foam or otherwise, in the manner known for stuffed animal or doll construction. Preferably, the torso 1200 and appendages are further defined internally by a skeleton of foam members (e.g., polyurethane foam) having a bendable metal (e.g., aluminum) core (shown in broken lines). In construction, the fabric and other stuffing may be sewn around the torso and appendages as appreciated by those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the torso 1200 may feature a non-slip padding 1210 that is configured to receive a sharp corner of a furniture item, for example, a coffee table. Suitably, the non-slip padding 1210 may be formed of fabric, rubber, or plastic to receive a corner and inhibit the apparatus 1000 from sliding relative to the corner of a table 2000 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively illustrate an environmental top view and side view of the apparatus 1000 positioned over a corner of a table 2000. As shown, the non-slip padding 1210 of the apparatus 1000 may be positioned over the table corner with the appendages 1300 wrapped around the corner and interlocked underneath the table 2000 for secure attachment. In other embodiments the appendages may not interlock and instead be bent to couple with components of the table.

In one method of use, the apparatus 1000 may be provided over a corner to blunt the same or otherwise reduce the force of an impact with the same. As a first step, the apparatus 1000 may be provided over a corner so that the corner is received by the non-slip padding 1210. Second, at least one of the appendages 1300 may be bent around the corner to secure the apparatus 1000 over the corner. In an optional but preferred third step, another of the appendages 1300 may be bent around the corner for better securement of the apparatus t hereto. Suitably, the bent appendages may be interlocked or merely grip components of the corner.

In summary, disclosed is an apparatus and related methods for blunting sharp corners or otherwise reducing the force of an impact with sharp corners. The apparatus may suitably be in the form of a creature, wherein the inside of each apparatus incorporates a skeleton that is comprised of foam members with bendable metal cores configured to maintain a bent form. By bending the skeleton into an interlock or grip, the apparatus can be attached to any corner without the need for adhesives, glues, tapes, Velcros, etc. The pliability of the skeleton allows the apparatus to be molded around and secured to any corner such as a coffee table or countertop. Furthermore, the pliability of the skeleton renders the apparatus capable of attachment to corners in a secure fashion while being easy to remove. Suitably, the nonslip padding 1210 of the apparatus 1000 may be positioned over the table corner with the appendages 1300 of the wire skeleton wrapped around the corner and interlocked underneath the table 2000 for secure attachment. The foam in the skeleton and other components of the apparatus may suitably acts as a shock absorber so that the force of an impact with a corner may be reduced. The apparatus is suitable for long-term attachment and portability so that the attachment can be installed on corners at numerous locations. The cute animal nature of each corner critter allows the consumer to purchase any number of whimsical creatures that cater to his or her particular taste and decorative style.

Other assembly methods may be practiced depending on the use of alternative embodiments described herein, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a head; a torso; at least one appendage; and a pliable skeleton in the torso and appendage(s) that may be bent around a corner for securing the apparatus thereto, provided that the head, torso and appendage is filled with a foam member and the torso has a non-slip padding to receive a corner.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the head, torso, and appendage is in a form of an animal, humanoid, character or whimsical creature.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the non-slip padding is formed of a fabric, rubber, or plastic to receive a corner.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pliable skeleton comprises a bendable metal, plastic and rubber.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the material used to fill the head, torso, and appendage is filled with cotton, wool, fiber, polyester, fleece or any combinations thereof. 